Design Step 1: Identify the Need
Students practice the initial steps involved in an engineering design challenge. They begin by reviewing the steps of the engineering design loop and discussing the client need for the project. Next, they identify a relevant context, define the problem within their design teams, and examine the project's requirements and constraints. (Note: Conduct this activity in the context of a design project that students are working on, which could be a challenge determined by the teacher, brainstormed with the class, or the example project challenge provided [to design a prosthetic arm that can perform a mechanical function].)
The basic steps of the engineering design process.Copyright TeachEngineering.org
The engineering design process is a specific set of steps engineers use to organize their ideas and refine potential solutions to engineering challenges. Embarking an engineering design project is much more than simply describing the project; engineers must gain an understanding of all the issues surrounding a particular design challenge. These issues might include the need for the project, relevant social and economic conditions of the target population, and project constraints and requirements. Working through these non-technical contextual factors helps engineers generate useful, appropriate and successful design solutions.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify the need for a specific engineering design project.
- Describe the design project context.
- Identify and differentiate the design project constraints and requirements.